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Family tragedies helped housewife find passion

Madam Liaw Lay Kian graduated with a Nitec in nursing at the age of 52. She was inspired by her experience of caring for her bedridden father-in-law for 16 years, and her husband who was diagnosed with terminal colorectal cancer in 2009. He died after nine months. Photo:Kiat Tan

I cared for my bed-ridden father-in-law for 16 years till he died in 2012 and for my late husband, who suffered from final-stage colorectal cancer. He succumbed to his illness nine months later in 2009.

I’ve grown and learnt a lot in the past 16 years and the experience has led me to decide to be where I am today.

Previously, I learnt on the job, but I wanted to be trained to do more for other patients.

To me, every person is precious. As a Christian, I felt a calling to care for the dying and to make them feel loved and treasured in their last days.

What were some challenges you faced? What was it like studying with students who are younger than your daughters (who are aged 21 and 25)?

I applied to ITE with my O-level certificate. The first lesson was biology and cells and was held in a lecture theatre.

There was no such thing (as a lecture theatre) in my time. I couldn’t catch anything at all. But I knew my goals and I studied even harder than I did when I was a student.

I don’t feel my age and my daughters and I have a relationship like we’re friends, so it wasn’t strange to be studying with younger classmates.

What are some memorable experiences?

I had Gold in my (National Physical Fitness Assessments) Napfa test twice. I just did my best and didn’t train, except during the sports and wellness lessons.

What are your future plans?

I’m working at the Dover Park Hospice and will be pursuing a diploma in nursing at Ngee Ann Polytechnic in October so that I can qualify for a Specialist Diploma in Palliative Care Nursing course.